The GIRLS NOT BRIDES ACT has passed the Philippine Senate! The Girls Not Brides Act is authored and sponsored by Senator Risa Hontiveros.
What is the Girls Not Brides Act?
Girls Not Brides Act when passed into law will make child marriages illegal. Marriages between minor (below 18 years old) and adults are considered child abuse.
When passed into law, the penalty for violation will be
- 10 years and 1 day to 12 years of imprisonment
- Php 50,000 fine
- Loss of parental authority over the child
Those who will solemnize child marriages will also be penalized. The penalty shall be
- Php 40,000 fine
- 8 years and 1 day to 10 years imprisonment
- Disqualification from office if a public official
According to Senator Hontiveros, the Philippines is the top 12th country in terms of the number of child brides. A shocking 726,000 of our girls have been contracted into marriages they never asked for. It is our duty to protect them. Our girls now and tomorrow deserve better.
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